Utah: State Supreme Court rules in favor of e-signatures
The Utah Supreme Court said Tuesday that state election officials must accept online petition signatures to qualify individuals for the ballot. This ruling is the first of its kind nationwide. It promises to make it easier for candidates and causes to use the Internet as part of the political process. “A signature under (Utah law) does not require a signor to physically handle a piece of paper and sign her name with a pen,” justices said in a 15-page ruling issued as voters went to the polls for primary elections. “An electronic signature is sufficient to satisfy the election code.”